“Never let someone get you out of your character. Stay true to yourself.” Who else, if not Stephen A. Smith, to take these words to heart and character? Several NBA personalities were against Stephen A. Smith for the way he handled the confrontation with LeBron James. Draymond Green said he didn’t respect his actions. However, it hasn’t stopped the reputed analyst from sharing his views, and might never will. They have grown stronger through his various appearances on podcasts, likewise, it’s no surprise that the NBA fraternity is against him. But who expected his people to have the same disposition?
The context of the whole new drama? An alarming audio leak (unverified by ES). Uncomfortable, as it puts into perspective how ESPN feels about Smith’s persona and political views. Specifically, Ryan Bertrand unearthed how the company that recently offered him a $100 million extension feels about his comments around Bronny James. “It’s just like this whole embarrassing thing that we’re all rolling our eyes at,” he could be heard saying in the clip.
Sticking to tense confrontations, Smith joined former ESPN employee Robert Griffin III on Outta Pocket. An explosive conversation concerning his firing from ESPN, but they also discussed the ESPN leak. And surprisingly, Stephen A. Smith seemed unmoved by what had been revealed.
ESPN LEAKS: OMG Obtains Audio of @ESPN Producer Calling @stephenasmith an “Angry Black Man,” Says Staff “Think He’s Crazy” and “Has No Idea” About Politics
Amid Smith’s ongoing discussions about the Middle East, leaked audio reveals an ESPN producer questioning his credibility… pic.twitter.com/a0twbLJFPa
— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) March 21, 2025
“I don’t give a damn about what that person said,” Smith said on the podcast. The ESPN analyst clarified that Bertrand is a production assistant and “that’s the kind of stuff that people do on an entry-level position in this business”. But with three decades of experience and a position at the top of the chain, Smith was unbothered by the frenzy caused by the leak. The comment did not sit well as Stephen A. chose to hit where it hurt.
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years, you think I’m gonna worry about what some new beginner that you know sitting there chirping about. (that) could kill us not even a little bit,” Smith continued.
The 57-year-old believes that because of his tempting position, it is natural for him to attract some “hate”. But he doesn’t care. Rather, because he expects it, and such things don’t rattle him at all. So it’s safe to say even with the leak, Stephen A. Smith isn’t going to alter his behavior to please anyone at ESPN. As far as he is concerned, to anyone whom he is answerable, he is content with his work.
Stephen A. Smith apologizes to Bronny James
Despite what Bertrand and, if true, some ESPN coworkers think about Smith, his comments about Bronny James have divided the basketball fraternity. However, he apologized to the 20-year-old. Hard to believe, but it did happen, and all it took was one game. There was a time the analyst didn’t think James was ready for the league. But after his 17-point night against the Bucks, Smith did have a change of heart.
“I was very impressed because I saw an elevation in his level of confidence and poise. It was like it didn’t really faze him. He didn’t look as nervous as he had looked in previous appearances on the basketball court. He looked like somebody that belonged,” he said on First Take.
But given his character and the ‘nature of his job,’ in his words, it will be too early to believe that Stephen A. Smith will put a pause in his criticism or evaluation of James. He is excited for his future and assured he will praise the Lakers’ rookie given he continues a run of astonishing performances. At the same time, a bad night will command him to analyze it with the same intensity. Seems fair, as it is part of his job description as the lead analyst for ESPN. But what does Bronny James think about it?
Definitely moved. After so much drama with his father and Smith commenting on his situation, it is impossible to ignore, more so when you are the subject. In his words, “I just take that and use it as fuel for me to go out, wake up every day and get to the gym early, get my extra work in, watch my extra film every day, get better every day.” Having the James blood is no easy task; it comes with scrutiny, and Bronny, by now, understands it well how to deal.
So although the Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James saga may have another chapter, it doesn’t seem the polarizing rookie will be taking a part in it at any time.
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